Boiler warning as money-saving 'hack' could be pushing up your energy bills

01 December 2023 , 09:31

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Some energy saving boiler hacks could be pushing up your bills (Image: Getty Images)

Brits have been warned of a money saving boiler hack that could be making energy bills more expensive.

Millions of households across the UK have faced sky high energy bills over the last two years and many are still working hard to try and cut their costs. There has been an abundance of money saving energy "hacks" shared online since the energy crisis began but not all of them work. In fact, some could even push up your bills.

Catherine Storer, an insulation expert from Essential Site Skills (ESS) has warned of one energy hack which has made the rounds - switching your boiler off at night. She explained that while turning off your boiler overnight might seem like a quick fix to cut costs, it's a short-term solution with potential long-term problems.

She highlighted that regularly switching off the boiler can lead to inefficiencies in the system and even safety concerns. Your central heating system is a complex one and some valves and pumps are not designed to stay idle for long so could end up faulty if the boiler is turned off. In some extreme cases, they could also freeze over which could lead to damage across the whole system. Catherine says that it is "crucial" to maintain a consistent operation, as this keeps your boiler safe and can make it last longer.

Catherine explained: "While it's tempting to switch off appliances like Wi-Fi routers to save on energy bills, this practice can actually lead to unintended technical issues. Frequent power cycling can cause faults and reduce the lifespan of the appliances.

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"It’s more prudent to look for energy-efficient models or smart usage instead – just like with your boiler. The key to managing your energy bills more effectively isn't in turning off your appliances but in ensuring they are running efficiently. Regular maintenance, especially for boilers, is vital. A well-maintained boiler not only operates more efficiently but also prevents the potentially high costs of emergency repairs."

Catherine noted that energy conservation is important as the lower your energy consumption the lower your energy bill but people should approach it wisely.

Instead of shutting down appliances, Catherine says people should consider adjusting settings like the thermostat on the boiler, which can offer significant savings without compromising the appliance’s functionality or comfort.

Ruby Flanagan